Many people regard music solely as a creative outlet. To some extent, this is true. Like painting or drawing, playing an instrument satisfies an artistic craving. It allows us to access our creative sides in a way that most of us don’t get to do in everyday life.

Family and job obligations often consume chunks of our day, and if you’re in a bustling city like, say, New York, just commuting around will keep you busy. But the bottom line is people should make time to learn an instrument. You don’t necessarily have to attend the best music school Queens has to offer, but academies like Real Brave Music School can help you get in touch with your artistic side, and all the benefits that come with it.

Playing music can really improve your mental and emotional health. Here are just a few ways it can help.

Stress Reduction

Daily life produces a lot of stress, and we need ways to help us deal with it. Like many of hobbies, music can help you blow off steam. There’s a sense of deep satisfaction that comes from playing an instrument. Practice makes you feel accomplished and rested. Plus, unlike your boss or colleagues, the only person holding you accountable is you (or perhaps your music teacher). No one’s going to fire you or get angry if your skills don’t track at a rapid pace. You’re in it purely for the enjoyment.

And once you get good enough, rocking out on the guitar or deftly handling a violin solo are great ways to relax.

Enhanced Focus

Music takes concentration. Unless you’re learning the recorder, your instrument will take some time to master. Don’t let this deter you. The long-term rewards are undeniable. Even if you just want to become competent, you’ll reap the benefits of new skills and a deepening of focus.

Learning proper fingering or mouth placement requires you to pay attention. At first, this might seem contrary to what hobbies are supposed to be – namely, fun. But often, improving your focus in one area of your life will affect other areas as well. You may discover that your work performance changes for the better, for example.

Improved Mood

Many musicians talk about how fun it is to play music. Anyone who’s ever tried it can confirm. Even instruments that have acquired an uncool reputation in modern times like the accordion are now considered cool. At the end of day, it doesn’t matter what you play; it’s all a good time.

If you really get into the zone while playing, it’s almost as if you’re experiencing an endorphin rush similar to those produced during cardio workouts. It’s a kind of infectious high that can fight depression, and make you motivated to keep playing.